PSC tries but fails dismally to defend perceived capture by FSPG

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The Public Service Commission (PSC) in the Free State has tried and failed dismally to defend itself against the perceived capture by the Free State Provincial Government.

This follows a story we published in which we stated that it was PSC reports that led to the removal of erstwhile Heads of Department, Mosa Masemene and Masechaba Sesing.

In Sesing’s matter, the PSC wrote a letter to Joyce “Pretenders” Mathae, the Free State Premier, instructing her to take action against Sesing following her failed attempt to have her disciplined. From that letter, Mathae instead moved Sesing to the Office of the Premier, no disciplinary action was taken, and the PSC looked the other way.

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Strangely, in Masemene’s matter, PSC employee Advocate Mokoena did not only write a report but went as far as testifying against Masemene. Mathae had interests in both matters, and it is difficult not to conclude that the PSC was used.

It was Mathae who appointed the wife of the PSC’s Provincial Commissioner to the FDC board, and out of all PSC reports — including those gathering dust — the PSC appears to pursue only those in which Mathae has an interest.

In an effort to defend its commissioner, the PSC stated that it wrote to the Legislature regarding outstanding reports. That is it — just letters, and nothing more.

Free State Education spend half a million on legal opinion

Outstanding PSC reports containing serious findings, but which the Commission has shown no interest in implementing, include:

• Disciplinary hearings against Bob Tladi and his team at Education for unlawful appointments
• The unlawful appointment of Cecil Ngwenya, who is a convicted individual
• The unlawful appointment of Andre Botes at Treasury as CFO despite holding a Marketing qualification
• Social Development staff lodged complaints regarding unlawful transfers, and to date the PSC has done nothing

Is PSC failing Social Development staff?

• ⁠PSC finding Social Development spokesperson not possessing UFS qualification as claimed
• ⁠Appointment of Director: Legal Services at Health

More recently, Dr Solomon Phera appointed Matshediso Setai as the provincial spokesperson despite Setai coming second in the interviews, with Motale Sebego emerging as the top candidate.

Sebego was subjected to competency tests and his former employer was contacted, yet Setai ultimately emerged as the successful candidate.

Office Manager of Teboho “Sulky” Mokoena allegedly does not meet minimum requirements and getting top notch of salary level 13.

Mokoena turning COGTA and Human Settlements into recruitment agency without due processes.

Anyone expecting the PSC to investigate these matters is clowning, as it would mean investigating the very office that appointed the wife of the commissioner to the FDC board.

PSC finds a transfer of an employee at Community Safety, Roads and Transport “irregular”

According to the PSC’s mandate, as published on its website, it has a duty to monitor and evaluate.

In sesotho, anyone reporting Mathae to PSC is reporting thokolosi ho moloi.

We have since requested an interview with PSC Commissioner, Prof Brian Nakedi, we shall shall wait.

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